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November 30, 2004 --
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Main Stories
o
Report: Video Game Console Sales Down Nearly 50% in 2004
o
Sony Releases Hard Drive-Based Walkman
Portable Music Player
o
Animation Production Company Wild Brain Raises $30 Million
o Game
Developer Valve Wins Contract Dispute with Vivendi Over Cybercafes
o Midway Games Acquires "Mortal
Kombat" Developer Paradox Development
o Chinese Online Game Operator
Shanda Buys Stake in Korean Developer Actoz
o E-Book Systems Lands $3
Million as Part of Asian Joint Venture
o Ampex to Get $40 Million in
Sony Settlement
o
Briefly Noted: Sony/IBM/Toshiba
- "Cell" processor, Sigma Designs - Microsoft, Valve's "Half-Life 2"
- 20,000 shut-outs, Google - share buyback, Loudeye - Music Choice,
NTT DoCoMo - mmO2, GoFish, Comcast - HDTV On Demand, Merriam-Webster
- "blog"
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Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Senior Manager, Business Development Digital Media
--RealNetworks - Legal Counsel - Digital Music Business
--Engineer - Telecommunications
--Media Relations Pro Wanted
--Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director
--Project Manager and Help Desk Positions
--Product Marketing Manager - SWsoft
--Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, (Data, Voice, Video Sales)
--The Heiden Group - Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales
Director
--Product Marketing Manager - Trusted Computer Solutions
--Business
Development Director
--Account Manager
--Practice Leader, CMO Group
--Public Relations Specialist
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook:
2004-2008
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o Report: Video Game Console Sales
Down Nearly 50% in 2004
Scottsdale, Ariz. -- The video game console market is at the back
end of its current cycle, with shipments and prices now expected to
decline until the release of the next generation of consoles,
according to a report from Arizona-based market research firm
In-Stat/MDR. Worldwide shipments of consoles this year are predicted
to reach 19.3 million, down almost half from the 35 million shipped
in 2003. The first next-generation console should hit the market in
the fourth quarter of 2005 with the introduction of Microsoft's Xbox
2. Sony is expected to launch its PS3 console by mid-2006, with
Nintendo to release its next console either before, or
simultaneously with Sony. In-Stat projects that Sony will ship the
most next-generation consoles through 2008; the company reported
shipping its 70 millionth PlayStation 2 in January.
http://www.instat.com/catalog/Ccatalogue.asp?id=162
_____________________________________________
o Sony Releases
Hard Drive-Based Walkman Portable Music Player
Amsterdam -- Japanese consumer electronics firm Sony on Tuesday
introduced its first Walkman portable music player to feature a hard
drive and support for the ubiquitous MP3 format. The 20GB player
will go on sale in the U.K. and Japan next month for $462, nearly
$40 more than Apple's comparable 20GB model iPod. The device, which
comes in five colors, will be released in the rest of Europe early
next year. The Walkman will not play songs purchased from Apple's
iTunes Store; likewise, the iPod cannot play songs purchased from
Sony's Connect online music store. Sony contends that the Walkman
can hold up to twice as many songs as an iPod, though, if songs are
formatted using its proprietary ATRAC3plus compression.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z53C238E9
http://makeashorterlink.com/?V55C258E9
____________________________________________
o Animation
Production Company Wild Brain Raises $30 Million
San Francisco -- Wild Brain, a producer of animated
entertainment, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $30 million
in a round of funding led by Valence Capital Management. Previous
investors including Syntek Capital AG also participated. San
Francisco-based Wild Brain recently announced a deal to co-finance
and co-produce 3D CGI animated films with Miramax Films and
Dimension Films. Their first joint production will be "Opus," which
is adapted from an idea by illustrator Berkeley Breathed. Wild Brain
said it will use the proceeds to further accelerate and support its
production of feature film, commercial advertising and television
properties.
http://www.wildbrain.com
____________________________________________
o Game
Developer Valve Wins Contract Dispute with Vivendi Over Cybercafes
Kirkland, Wash. -- Video game developer Valve Software announced
that the U.S. District Court in Seattle has ruled that publishing
partner Vivendi Universal Games breached its contract with the
company when it distributed Valve's PC games in cybercafés around
the world. The court did not rule on what, if any, damages to award
Valve. "We're happy the court has affirmed the meaning of our
publishing contract," said Valve CEO Gabe Newell. "This is good news
for Valve and its cybercafé partners around the world." Valve and
Vivendi have several other lawsuits pending, including a charge from
Vivendi that Valve violated its publishing agreement with Vivendi by
distributing its "Half-Life 2" game through an online system in
addition to in stores, where Vivendi would share in profits.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5708
http://www.vugames.com
http://www.valvesoftware.com
____________________________________________
o Midway
Games Acquires "Mortal Kombat" Developer Paradox Development
Chicago -- Video game publisher Midway Games said on Tuesday that
it has acquired Moorpark, Calif.-based Paradox Development, which is
developing Midway's upcoming "Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks" title.
Midway tendered 333,334 shares for Paradox; the company's shares
closed up slightly on Tuesday at $10.84. Midway said the "Mortal
Kombat" franchise has generated over $1 billion in games, movies,
music, toys and other merchandise since launching in 1992. The
acquisition is Chicago-based Midway's third in recent months. The
company also bought Austin-based Inevitable Entertainment, developer
of its "Area 51" title, and Seattle-based Surreal Software, which
created Midway's "The Suffering."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041130/305268_1.html
http://www.midway.com
http://www.px.com
____________________________________________
o Chinese
Online Game Operator Shanda Buys Stake in Korean Developer Actoz
Shanghai, China -- Chinese online game operator Shanda
Interactive Entertainment announced on Tuesday that it has purchased
a 29% controlling stake in Korean online game developer Actoz Soft
for $97.1 million in cash. Actoz is co-owner of the copyright for
"The Legend of Mir II," currently the most popular online game in
China. Shanda operates "Mir II" in China, as well as other titles
including "BNB," currently the most popular casual online game in
China. Shanghai-based Shanda said the strategic investment secures
an alliance with its leading supplier of online game content.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041129/cnm003_1.html
http://www.snda.com
http://www.actoz.com
____________________________________________
o E-Book
Systems Lands $3 Million as Part of Asian Joint Venture
Santa Clara, Calif. -- E-Book Systems, developer of a 3-D
page-flipping interface, has announced that it will receive a $3
million investment from Japan's Softbank Media & Marketing as part
of a joint venture between the two companies. Specifically, the
investment will go to E-Book Systems' Singapore-based unit, which
holds a number of patents for e-publishing technologies. The new
joint venture company, E-Book Systems Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), will
direct the establishment of electronic publishing in Japan and
Korea. E-Book Systems KK anticipates turning a profit by 2006.
Currently, 273 magazine titles worldwide use the company's
technology, which delivers multimedia content in the form of a
virtual book.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041129/295393_1.html
http://www.ebooksys.com
____________________________________________
o Ampex to Get
$40 Million in Sony Settlement
Redwood City, Calif. -- Ampex, a developer of audio-visual
technologies, said on Monday that it will receive $40 million in a
settlement of its patent infringement suit against Sony. The suit,
filed in July, revolved around technology relating to digital still
cameras manufactured and sold by Sony. Under the settlement, Sony
will be permitted to use Ampex patents in any of its products
through April 2006. Ampex also recently announced patent license
agreements with Canon and Sanyo Electric Company.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041129/295255_1.html
http://www.ampex.com
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>DMW Events:
5th Annual
Digital Music Forum
March 2, 2005 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com
The Digital Music Forum has a strong
history of attracting leading minds from both content and
technology industries for a 1-day executive forum in NYC focused
on deal-making and the future of music. For more
information click
here. To register
click here.
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration: $195 (until December 31st)
Pre-registration rate: $295 (Jan 1 until February 4th)
Registration rate: $395 (after Feb. 4th)
Phone: 323-822-0936
To submit speakers for or
request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005
conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing &
Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at:
tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
Past Events
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Sponsorship Materials
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Partners & Clients
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>
Featured Advertisement:
Senior Legal Counsel
Role Participate as a member of the content acquisition
negotiating team, thinking through all business and legal
issues based on a minimum of ten (10) years experience with
licensing and distribution of content. Skills/Experience:
Previous experience at entertainment/media company
specializing in licensing intellectual property. Ability and
willingness to participate in identifying and thinking through
diverse issues related to launching a new business. Team
player with personal skills needed in initiating important new
business relationships. Ability to grasp new and changing
technology. Existing relationships with entertainment / media
industry executives a plus. Additional Skills: Negotiating
distribution agreements for programming content including:
U.S. copyright licenses International licensing, U.S. and
international law governing licensing, understanding of
regulatory environment and implications of actions, issues
related to licensing and sub-licensing content, rights grant,
packaging, pricing, marketing, promotions (including design
and registrations paperwork), reporting, advertising and
sponsorships, music performance rights, other performance and
talent issues (ex: BMI, SAG/Screen Actors Guild), wholesale
and retail distribution issues, transmission, security, and
transfer issues. Education Requirements: Bachelor of Arts or
Bachelor of Science, JD degree. Member of the California Bar.
Qualcomm's requisition # D1643408DMW.
To apply, go to:
http://jobs.qualcomm.com/staffing/Staffing.asp?page=search
Contact Info: Send inquiries to
msexton@qualcomm.com
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o Briefly Noted: (Tokyo) Sony,
IBM and Toshiba have announced that their jointly-developed "Cell"
processor, which will power Sony's next-generation video game
console, will begin production in early 2005 and be included in
products that will ship in 2006. IBM and Sony are currently
developing the first Cell processor-based workstation, which game
developers will use to code games for the PlayStation 3. In addition
to game consoles, Sony will include the Cell processor in home
servers for broadband content and HDTV systems. Toshiba said it will
release its first Cell-based HDTV set in 2006.
http://www-03.ibm.com/chips/news/2004/1129_cell1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/041129/computer_chip_4.html
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/29/ibm_sony_cell_debut
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5690
(Milpitas, Calif.) Chipmaker Sigma Designs and Microsoft jointly
announced on Tuesday the range of consumer electronics currently
available featuring Sigma chips that support Windows Media Audio and
Video 9. These products include networked DVD players from makers
including KiSS Technology, I-O Data, Buffalo and Lite-On IT; Windows
Media-enabled digital media receivers from Vertex Link Corp. and
Twinhead International; and an IPTV set-top box from Wegener that
supports Windows Media Video 9.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041130/sftu081_1.html
http://www.sigmadesigns.com
(Kirkland, Wash.) Valve Software, developer of the popular PC
game "Half-Life 2," reports that it has shut out over 20,000
accounts from users attempting to register unauthorized versions of
the game online. All copies of the game must be validated through
Valve's Steam online gaming service. The company said it has shut
out anyone trying to register with a pirated activation key or open
an account with a stolen credit card.
http://www.valvesoftware.com
http://www.steampowered.com/forums
(Mountain View, Calif.) Search engine giant Google announced on
Tuesday that it will begin a buyback offer for 23.4 million shares
it says it may have issued improperly to current and former
employees and consultants. However, few are expected to accept the
offer, which will offer $3.94 per share for stock that closed on
Tuesday at $181.98.
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=goog
(Seattle) Loudeye, a provider of streaming song samples and other
digital media services, announced on Tuesday that it will provide
content ingestion, encoding, editing, watermarking and delivery
services for Music Choice, a provider of digital music services to
cable TV and broadband providers. Seattle-based Loudeye will support
the launch of Music Choice's on-demand music video service, encoding
the content into the CableLab MPEG format for Music Choice's
broadcaster customers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041130/sftu042_1.html
http://www.loudeye.com
http://www.musicchoice.com
(London) NTT DoCoMo, the largest mobile operator in Japan, and
U.K.-based mobile operator mmO2 Plc announced on Tuesday that they
have reached an agreement to offer DoCoMo's i-mode services in the
U.K., Germany and Ireland next year. i-mode is an "always-on"
Internet service that allows users to send email, chat, play games,
download ringtones and access content.
http://www.mmo2.com/media/pr_041129.asp
(San Francisco) GoFish Technologies on Tuesday announced the
launch of a beta test of its digital media search platform. The
service offers search engines and consumer portals the ability to
deliver targeted results from its index of licensed and commercially
available digital media downloads, including music, movies, music
videos, ringtones, and mobile and PC games.
http://www.gofish.com
(Washington) Cable TV operator Comcast on Tuesday launched its
HDTV On Demand service for the Washington Metro and Virginia region.
The service will initially offer movie titles including "The Passion
of the Christ" and "The Living Sea" in high-definition, for between
$3.99 and $5.99 per selection.
http://www.comcast.com
(Los Angeles) Current Attractions, provider of a paid
subscription service offering independent movie ratings, on Tuesday
launched a version of its PSVratings service for video games. The
database-driven system, based on standards created by educators,
child psychologists and child psychiatrists, all of whom are
parents, assigns "stop-light" ratings of green (suggestive), yellow
(explicit) or red (graphic) on matters of profanity, sex and
violence in games. "A lot of parents might be shocked by what some
video game developer has decided is appropriate for their child,"
said Current Attractions CEO David G. Kinney. "The PSVratings
offered at Current Attractions make no value judgments about
age-appropriateness. That is a parent's job. We take objective,
quantitative research and present it in a way parents can easily
understand."
http://www.currentattractions.com
(Springfield, Mass.) Dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster
announced on Tuesday that "blog" topped its list of the
most-requested definitions searched for during 2004 at its online
dictionary service. The publisher defines the term as, "a Web site
that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments,
and often hyperlinks provided by the writer." Other terms in the top
10 for 2004 included "electoral," "cicada" and "defenestration."
http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/04words.htm
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>
Classifieds --
Advertise
> Senior Manager, Business Development Digital Media
We are looking for Senior Managers within our Business
Development, Digital Media area in Products and Services. We
need qualified candidates in 3 functional areas, to include
MESSAGING, Digital Media (games, ringtones, music) and in our
BOOST area. MUST have previous digital media experience in
some capacity. MUST have previous business development,
product management, or partnership experience within the
telecommunications and wireless industries. Positions located
in Reston, VA. Contact
anna.early@nextel.com
_________________
> RealNetworks - Legal Counsel - Digital Music Business
Looking to hire a lawyer for London office to work on matters
related to digital music business: Rhapsody, RadioPass and
mobile music services. Will negotiate and draft content
licensing agreements with record labels and music publishers;
distribution, marketing agreements with broadband service
providers, websites, retailers, and mobile carriers. Must have
3-7 years experience in digital music/media, licensing and
distribution, Internet law issues, excellent writing,
negotiation skills and academic record. Please apply
online at http://www.real.com
under Intl. jobs - job code 1390. Closing date for
applications is 12/03/04.
_________________
> Engineer - Telecommunications
The Maryland Public Service Commission is seeking a Public
Service Engineer III to provide policy recommendations,
technical assistance, and oral and written reports relative to
existing and new communications technologies. Require a
bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or
university. 2 yrs of engineering exp. conducting inspections,
tests, investigations and evaluations of physical facilities
used by public utility companies in the production and
distribution of products and services. Visit
http://www.workformaryland.com for a detailed job
announcement. Send State app (MS100) to
jstout@psc.state.md.us
Apps. must be received or postmarked by Dec 13, 2004. EOE/ADA
_________________> Media Relations Pro Wanted
Want to join a close-knit, fast-paced team of public relations
and public affairs pros? Want an environment where you can
learn from the best? Ignition Strategic Communications is
seeking a mid-level media relations specialist with 3-5 years
agency/corporate experience. Technology experience a major
plus. Position requires trade and national media relations
experience, excellent writing skills. Demonstrated ability to
execute high-level media relations campaigns, build client
relationships and secure coverage. Journalism experience
helpful. Send resume, two writing samples to:
mediarelationsdc@hotmail.com
_________________
> Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director
The Heiden Group is a retained search and consulting firm that
places top performing candidates within its premier technology
client base. THG is seeking to place sales professionals with
accomplished technology sales, sales engineering and sales
mgmt backgrounds. Our clients are currently looking for
revenue producers in the following positions: Regional Sales
Dir. - Enterprise Software, Account Exec. - Managed Services
and more. Please contact us at info@heidengroup.com or go to:
http://www.heidengroup.com/highlightedsearches.html
_________________
> Project Manager and Help Desk Positions
OpenAir Technologies, Inc. (http://www.openairtech.com), a
nationwide provider of managed IP-PBX systems and advertising
on hold solutions for the retail industry, has several Project
Management as well as Helpdesk/Customer Service positions
open. OpenAir Technologies, Inc. is looking for people with
1-2 years of relevant experience for our Headquarters in
Reston, VA. Please send resumes to
jobs@openairtech.com
_________________
> Product Marketing Manager - SWsoft
SWsoft is the leading provider of automation and
virtualization software for hosting providers, TELCOs/ISPs and
enterprises worldwide. We are looking for a Product Marketing
Manager to lead and drive the execution of marketing efforts
for our hosting software products. Candidate must have a
successful and verifiable track record of broad software
marketing experience and talent/potential. Compensation
package includes salary, quarterly bonus and stock options.
Send resumes to:
jobs@sw-soft.com (subject "Product Marketing Mgr")
_________________
> Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, (Data, Voice, Video Sales)
Seeking highly motivated sales people with at least three
years sales exp. and a track record of meeting sales
objectives. Excellent communication, relationship-building,
and presentation skills a must - with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities include consultative and solution selling to
medium and large companies. Our solutions include Cisco,
Microsoft, EMC, NEC, Tandberg and Verizon. Candidate must be
able to develop and leverage relationships with technology
partners for lead generation and joint sales opportunities.
Send resumes to
careers@aaanetworks.net
_________________
> The Heiden Group - Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales
Director
The Heiden Group is a retained search and consulting firm that
places top performing candidates within its premier technology
client base. THG is seeking to place sales professionals with
accomplished technology sales, sales engineering and sales
mgmt backgrounds. Our clients are currently looking for
revenue producers in the following positions: Regional Sales
Dir. - Enterprise Software, Account Exec. - Managed Services
and more. Please contact us at info@heidengroup.com or go to:
http://www.heidengroup.com/highlightedsearches.html
_________________
>
Product Marketing Manager - Trusted Computer Solutions
Responsible for managing the entire product line life cycle
from strategic planning to tactical activities specifying
market requirements for current and future products by
conducting market research supported by on-going visits to
customers and non-customers. Driving a solution set across
development teams (primarily Development/Engineering, and
Marketing Communications) through market requirements, product
contract. Send resumes to dromano@trustedcs.com For more info,
visit
http://www.trustedcs.com
_________________
>
Business Development Director
Executes the overall business development strategy. Should
possess knowledge of federal contract negotiations relative to
the IT field, and be able to position IDC for bidding on
large, multi-year opportunities. Will conceptualize and
implement a plan to broaden our market base, diversify the
business, and apply innovative strategies to increase
profitability. Bachelor's degree and 10 yrs exp required.
Please e-mail resumes to
careers@idc.tv
_________________
>
Account Manager
The Account Manager will manage a
geographic sales territory
(North-eastern US), based in the greater Washington DC area.
He/she will be involved primarily with managing existing
customers and new prospects and
selling HP NonStop systems mgmt. solutions to achieve quota
results. The qualified candidate should have specific exp.
selling software solutions for the
HP NonStop environment, be a highly successful sales rep.,
have formal
sales training and strong sales process skills and exp. and
systems mgmt.
exp. (e.g. CA UniCenter, HP Open View, Tivoli, BMC). Please
send resume to
mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or visit
http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire224.asp
_________________
> Practice Leader, CMO Group
Forrester Research is seeking a highly motivated individual
for the Practice Leader position in the Forrester Oval
Program, The CMO Group, an exclusive executive membership
program that offers a valuable combination of peer networking,
dedicated analyst access, benchmark data, and member-directed
research to select C-level marketing executives. Require:
Master's or other advanced degree, Eight to 10 years of
progressive work exp. within the marketing industry. Ability
to manage a team of professionals in a fast-paced learning
environment. Strong analytical, writing, and presentation
skills. Experience managing departmental budgets. Please apply
online
http://www.forrester.com/CareerOpportunities
_________________
> Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist Min. 5 years PR/management exp. PR
professional to maintain effective communications with media,
serve as
main point of contact for PR activites, recommend PR strategy
for high-
tech B2B clients, & lead PR account teams. Strong project
management
& team-building skills required. Flexible personality desired
to manage
clients & teams in an exciting, fast-paced environment. E-mail
cover
letter and resume to
hr@rmr.com
_________________
> New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook:
2004-2008
PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media
Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and
media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses
and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments
covering every major global region. The complete 550-page
book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page
"Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or
any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic
format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample
content and to order,
click here.
_________________
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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization,
publisher and events company serving the digital media industry
since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on
business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and
read by over 30,000 executives and professionals.
Digital Media
Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international
network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report,
Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay
Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The
network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries
each business day.
Advertising & Sponsorship
Publications, Events & Information
Executive & Editorial Team
Chief
Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger
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